SOLUTION: make fewer models that are better-equipped, and EXPLAIN these models. & enable data collection on what users want."
brainout When Steve Jobs returned to Apple thats what he did. He cut the product line down to a few unit, made sure that there were made with top of the line components and increased costumer service with constant feedback.
If all PC manufactures followed your advise I can see this helping them to sell more products. I think it would be very hard to find one person that has't heard about a MacBook or iPad. When IBM had there ThinkPads it was also well branded. If Microsoft stays on course they should stay with the Surface line of Tablets.
A lot of PC Manufacture dump one mode and name just before the factory run is almost complete. Then they come up with a new product and name and off we go again.